In Vilvoorde, four police officers were injured in overnight disturbances near the station, and nine individuals were arrested, according to reports from Het Laatste Nieuws and confirmation from local police and the Halle-Vilvoorde prosecutor’s office.
A group of approximately ten masked individuals gathered near the station around 00:30, said Gert Mathay, spokesperson for the Vilvoorde-Machelen police. They wore balaclavas and soon began causing damage, joined by around 20 more youths. Vilvoorde-Machelen police, backed by reinforcements from neighbouring areas, intervened to control the situation and prevent further escalation. Residents were urged to stay indoors via a neighbourhood alert message.
Officers were attacked, resulting in a prolonged chase before order was restored. Several police vehicles and other cars were damaged, bus shelters were destroyed, and windows of buildings were smashed. The situation calmed down around 2:30 to 3:00, though tension lingered. Four police officers suffered minor injuries, with two unable to work for several days. Nine people were arrested.
Ingrid Moriau, spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office, said the detainees include five adults, aged 18 to 20, and four minors, aged 16 and 17. Two minors are from Brussels and will be handled by the Brussels prosecutor’s office. The others are under the jurisdiction of the Halle-Vilvoorde prosecutor. They are set to be questioned later today.
The federal police’s forensic lab conducted on-site investigations.
The disturbances are believed to be linked to the pursuit and arrest of a 24-year-old motorcyclist on Thursday night. The individual had been repeatedly noted for dangerous riding through Vilvoorde’s centre, flouting traffic rules and provoking police. On Thursday night, after police attempted to intercept him, the motorcyclist fled and collided with a police vehicle and a kerb. He sustained minor injuries and was hospitalised before being turned over to the prosecutor’s office.
Vilvoorde Mayor Jo De Ro denounced the incidents and announced increased monitoring for the following night. “I strongly condemn the violence against our police and the damage to property,” said the mayor. “Police and city efforts for a safer station environment seem threatened by those viewing the area as their territory.”
The mayor noted that youths from neighbouring municipalities were also involved.
“Perpetrators who injured police must face strict penalties,” he added. “This is unacceptable in a state of law. City services and transport operators will swiftly clean up, and affected residents and businesses can report damages to police expediently.”
“Enhanced vigilance is planned for the coming night,” the mayor continued. “Further measures are under discussion with police and prosecutors. I thank the police forces involved last night and wish the injured officers a quick recovery.”
